New York Yankees: Justin Bour a trade target?
The New York Yankees could use a bit of help at first base. Might Miami Marlins slugger Justin Bour be a fit?
In 2017, the New York Yankees have been a fun team to watch, and their .529 winning percentage is currently the fourth-best in the American League. The Yankees offense, which is highlighted by young sluggers and soon-to-be Home Run Derby participants Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez, now ranks fourth in MLB with a .452 slugging percentage.
However, there is one position where the Bronx Bombers could use a bit of help: first base. So far this season, a combination of nine different players has managed to slash only .200/.292/.384 with 14 home runs at that position.
Chris Carter, the player who has logged the most games at first base for the Yankees this season, was recently designated for assignment for the second time. Greg Bird, who opened the season as the Yankees’ starting first baseman, has now been transferred to the 60-day DL. Although Matt Holliday, who has been sidelined with a viral infection, could reportedly return soon and provide some help, he has spent the majority of his career in the outfield and has been the Yankees’ primary designated hitter this year.
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Could a trade be on the horizon?
With the non-waiver trade deadline now just three weeks from Monday, many have begun to wonder if the Yankees might look outside of the organization for help at first base. According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Yankees have shown interest in Miami Marlins first baseman Justin Bour.
Bour, who burst onto the scene at a little bit of an older age, has now established himself as a terrific left-handed power hitter. Back in 2015, he had a breakout season at the age of 27, hitting .262/.321/.479 (120 OPS+) with 23 home runs and 73 RBI. Although he was limited to just 90 games last season, Bour remained very productive at the plate (123 OPS+, 15 homers).
Bour is currently on pace to have his finest season to date. Entering play on Sunday, Bour has hit .286/.361/.553 (141 OPS+) with 20 home runs and 57 RBI thus far in 2017. Though he fell a bit short of making his first All-Star team, he will participate in the Home Run Derby on Monday night.
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As Jackson also points out, Bour will not reach free agency until after the 2020 season. However, if the Marlins do decide to even make him available, they will likely be seeking a sizable return for the left-handed slugger. He might be quite costly in terms of prospects. That said, with the short right field porch at Yankee Stadium, one could indeed see Bour as a perfect fit in pinstripes.